I’m currently an aunt to three beautiful, high spirited nieces of the ages 5, 2 and 2-months, and one handsome, spunky 4-year-old nephew. Being an aunt or uncle is without a doubt one of the top most important opportunities in your life. And who doesn’t get fulfillment in seeing those them wearing a cute onesie that proudly says, “My Auntie Loves Me!”
Those children have and will steal your heart, and what better way to be an aunt than by striving to show them that love! Whether you’re currently an aunt to young ones, or even one day will be, here are my top seven secrets to being the best auntie imaginable, to those special little children that deserve it:
1. Show them they’re loved by you.
With children being so pure and warm hearted, they immediately gravitate to those who show them love and affection. Make sure to always tell them you love them and that they know they are beautiful and handsome. Overwhelm them with hugs and kisses, even when they’re stubborn and refuse to pay any acknowledgement because an episode of "Curious George" is on. Though children are young and may not understand, they respond positively with bright eyed faces because children sure do love attention!
2. Be their human jungle gym.
What do kids love more than to climb all over anything and everything? Especially when that something is their auntie. And don’t you dare tell them it hurts, because our pain only fuels their excitement. Getting on the floor and playing fun games with them is truly the quickest way to their little hearts. They love knowing auntie is a big kid and is willing to get wild and crazy with them!
3. Don’t be afraid to discipline them. Lovingly, of course!
Many times as the aunt or uncle we get this idea that we have to be the fun and easy-going relative and we leave the "non-fun stuff" to mommy and daddy. But it’s so important to understand that showing love is also teaching them, when they do something they shouldn’t, that you love them enough to teach them right from wrong. Through love and conversation, we as aunts should be responsible for helping direct them along the right path. They’ll get over it quickly and respect you more for it!
4. Spend real quality time with them!
Make sure they know they have your undivided attention. It’s not always easy! Quite frankly, it can be downright exhausting! But we will continue to smile and tell them they are the greatest player ever at the "Subway Surfers" app on the iPad. Even after the 200th time around, it’s well worth it to see the smiles that illuminate from their sweet little faces!
5. Let them sleep over!
My oldest niece is at the age where sleepovers are like mini-holidays! It’s so important to spend that extra quality time with the kiddos, watching movies, playing games and baking cookies. It builds strong bonds.
6. Let them call you ridiculous names!
For a good solid year, I was known as either Auntie Christmas, or Auntie PooPoo! Yes, Auntie PooPoo. All the funny nicknames came straight from my nephew and were recycled by each niece. And let’s just say, I wasn’t too thrilled on some of the name choices. But soon they’ll mature and those nicknames will fade, so let them make innocent fun of you and call you names that make them laugh through the roof! That’s their way of bonding! I mean, we’re the fun Aunties, right?!
7.Pray for and pray with them!
Praying with and for your nieces and nephews is by far the best thing you can do for them. Praying brings you closer and although they don’t fully understand the concept of praying, they understand that you love them, and through prayer, you’re able to represent that love. Pray for them as they grow, that they will be deeply rooted in Christ and grow to be happy, healthy and know they’re always loved. Those special moments, you’ll both remember forever!
